Al Yergey MS Scientist Award

Kevin Giles is recognized for his notable contributions in mass spectrometry instrumentation development over a three-decade career with Waters Corporation and VG Biotech.

At Waters, Kevin contributed to the design, refinement, and commercialization of advanced mass spectrometry systems. His broader work focused on ion optics development involving the design and implementation of RF-confining stacked-ring ion guides and travelling wave technology which are employed in a significant proportion of Waters’ MS instruments, including the innovative StepWave source ion guide which has shipped on over twenty thousand MS systems to-date.

Perhaps Kevin’s most significant contribution has been his work on ion mobility–mass spectrometry (IM-MS) instrumentation, including the Synapt Q-ToF series, which helped establish IM‑MS as a practical tool by bringing the technique from specialist research into mainstream analytical science. A key technology in the Synapt instruments is the novel Travelling Wave Ion Mobility separation device which Kevin was central to developing and optimising, culminating in the design and commercialisation of an extremely versatile cyclic IM-MS instrument.

In his final years at Waters, Kevin was responsible for heading the design and implementation of the first dedicated commercial CDMS instrument, in collaboration with Indiana University.

Over his career Kevin has authored/co-authored over 70 peer-reviewed manuscripts, and is a named inventor on over 120 granted US patents.

Daniel B. McClatchy, Senior Staff Scientist at Scripps Research Institute, is one of the most quietly influential contributors to neuroproteomics, recognized not only for pioneering methodological advances but also for his exceptional commitment to collaboration, training, and community support.

Dr. McClatchy’s scientific contributions have significantly expanded the capabilities of mass spectrometry in complex biological systems. Early in his career, he optimized Stable Isotope Labeling of Mammals (SILAM) for quantitative in vivo proteomics of the brain, enabling developmental and disease-related proteome dynamics to be measured with unprecedented precision. His SILAM workflow has been applied in multiple studies of neural development, synaptic biology, and sensorimotor gating, illustrating both technical innovation and biological depth.

His most transformative advance is the development of Pulse Azidohomoalanine Labeling in Mammals (PALM), an in vivo extension of BONCAT that allows selective enrichment and quantification of newly synthesized proteins (NSPs) in tissues.

Dr. McClatchy’s contributions are characteristically quiet, consistent, and indispensable—those of a true “unsung hero.” His innovations have shaped modern neuroproteomics, his mentorship has launched careers, and his collaborative spirit has strengthened numerous research programs.

Michael W. Senko, Principal Scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific, has worked for more 35 years to advance the performance of mass spectrometers, improve the analysis of mass spectrometry (MS) data, and mentor others in their careers. He has created a number of huge advances in instrumentation that thousands of scientists use every day, yet are unaware of his contributions – making him a clear “unsung hero” in our field.

He obtained his Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1995 with MS pioneer, Fred McLafferty. After postdoctoral training at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory with the co-inventor of FT-MS, Alan Marshall, Mike started working at Thermo Finnigan in 1996. Since this time, he has been part of the R&D efforts for the LCQ and GCQ ion trap platforms, the LTQ and LTQ-FT/Orbitrap systems, and has been the Technical Lead for the Tribrid mass spectrometers for over a decade.

We are often enamored by shiny mass spectrometry hardware. While important, the underlying complexity of “what’s under the hood” frequently goes unrecognized. A partial list of where Senko has advanced the core performance and operation of MS systems to beyond state-of-the-art follows: robust and automated data dependent acquisition, stable mass accuracy with external calibration, peak centroiding, real-time assessment of monoisotopic mass and charge state, predictive automatic gain/ion control, and real-time Orbitrap signal processing to minimize file size.

Beyond his own remarkable scientific achievements, Senko has proven to be an effective mentor, particularly for early-career scientists.